Any problems post op ulnar nerve or hand pain - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

sammyo1 · 04-14-2009, 03:45 PM

Hey guys just wondering anyone had any problems postop with hand pain & hand getting cold. Spent 2 days in the hospital with my hand & arm. Hand stuck in semi fist position with the the nerve type pain, burning, tingling, numbness, hurt to even touch at all & could not move my fingers. The middle finger kind of froze in a slightly bent angle. Er doc could not move the fingers either. It moved up the wrist, elbow & to back of scapula. After while could not move the wrist either. The pain was constant.
They said it could be ulnar nerve but surgeon is wanting an EMG. Did an MRI & said the fusion is fine. anyone else experiance anything like this? Thanks Sam

Bobbyboo · 04-15-2009, 12:39 PM

Sammy - really sorry to hear about your recent problems. How is it now?

It is great that your MRI was showing successful fusion but frightening that you have these symptoms. Was it the same arm/hand that was giving you problems before your ACDF?

When will you get your nerve test?

Bobbyboo x

sammyo1 · 04-19-2009, 04:38 AM

Thanks bobby. NO its not the same arm thats the scary part. I will have the EMG this thurs. I have managed to sleep better for the past couple nights thanks to the muscle relaxer but the darn hand wakes me up evey morning. If I try to lay it will just go up the arm. For some reason I think the postion I am in during sleep is aggravating this. I like you am dissappointed. My neck will get sore or shoulders but nothing I cant handle. I could live with the rest but this is to painful. Lets hope we both improve. God bless, Sammy

want a good out · 04-19-2009, 10:57 AM

Hi Sammy,
I had/have post op pain from the nerve mostly in my right hand. I can get it to go away though. The strength has decreased since therapy started so I don't know what will happen next. I see the doc the 27th. I sleep with my soft collar on as it really helps. I had surgery feb 11,2009. I also get this feeling in my legs that concerns me. I have next to no room in the c5-6 area and I think it is cord impingement. I really don't want the back approach done with the hinges. I'll try to live with it. The muscle relaxers help the ulner nerve pain though. Good luck and keep us posted. I'm glad the fusion is taking. Damn, this is a L o n g process isn't it?

sammyo1 · 04-19-2009, 05:55 PM

I get some leg issues to but I am pretty sure based on the last MRI I have some herniations in the lumbar. I swear I to wonder sometimes if the legs are linked to this problem, you know perhaps somehow it is.
I dont trust surgeons enough to ask after mines reaction to me being in the hospital.
Yes this is one long recovery & I just was reducing my meds just abit when this arm/hand pain hit. Its awful when I lay for long. Burns like crazy. Do you have any certain fingers in the right hand that bother you? I cant believe this. The pain will still hit the left shoulder but its the hand that had me in ER with 0 movement. My PT says that is not good & cant be ignored. Although I know my surgeon would rather & I am worried if this EMG does not show anything it will get ignored.
I am telling you so many people feel decent & then boom something sets off their pain. Its tricky to know what to do & what not to & mine was dec,26. Go figure. Good luck as at least there is still hope.